Method and apparatus for setting programmable features of motor vehicle

ABSTRACT

An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of a motor vehicle. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The motor vehicle owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the motor vehicle. Once the desired settings have been made, they are transferred to the motor vehicle using a portable transfer device, which may comprise a key for operating the motor vehicle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending application Ser. No.10/155,531 filed May 24, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part ofco-pending application Ser. No. 09/415,299, filed Oct. 8, 1999, now U.S.Pat. No. 6,483,906, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 09/351,270, filed Jul. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,256,378, which is a continuation-in-part of co-pending applicationSer. No. 09/235,709, filed Jan. 22, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,023.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates generally to the field of motor vehicles.More particularly, the invention provides a method and apparatus forconveniently setting various programmable features of a motor vehicleusing a graphical user interface accessed with a computer.

[0004] 2. Prior Art

[0005] Motor vehicles, and automobiles in particular, have grownincreasingly complex. A modern automobile may contain as many as fiftymicroprocessors controlling a wide variety of operational andconvenience features. While much of the processing power is devoted tofunctions that are transparent to the driver, the number ofdriver-selectable features and options has increased tremendously. Forexample, automobiles may include driver controls for seating position,seat temperature, cabin temperature, cabin ventilation, cabinillumination, dash illumination, audio entertainment, navigation,suspension compliance and transmission shift-mode, to name only a few.Providing driver control of all of these functions has led to aproliferation of knobs, buttons, switches and other controls in manyautomobiles.

[0006] The increased number of driver controls is not without itsdrawbacks. Typically, drivers must refer to increasingly voluminousowner's manuals to understand the various controls available and learnhow to operate them. Naturally, different drivers have differentpreferences and this can result in a lengthy process of changingsettings each time a different driver enters the vehicle. Furthermore,the increased complexity of driver controls is a distraction to thedriver and negatively affects traffic safety.

[0007] Efforts have been made to simplify the driver/vehicle interface.One such effort is the “iDrive” system introduced by BMW. This systememploys a video display and a driver-operated “joystick” to replace manyof the individual controls. The system is reported to control more thanseven hundred functions. While the system succeeds in eliminating muchof the dashboard clutter, it results in as much, if not more, driverdistraction than with conventional controls.

[0008] Another effort to simplify the driver/vehicle interface (and onethat is employed in conjunction with BMW's “iDrive” system) is voicerecognition. The vehicle is programmed to learn and respond to certainspoken commands. However, voice recognition technology is still in itsinfancy and spoken commands are not consistently understood, especiallyin a typically noisy vehicle environment.

[0009] There remains a need for a system and method of interfacing withthe myriad of controllable features in a modern automobile withoutdistracting the driver when actually operating the automobile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The present invention provides methods and apparatus for settingpreferences and other parameters of a motor vehicle. In certainembodiments of the invention, a user initiates a connection to aninteractive site on a global computer network. The site hosts agraphical user interface with which preferences and other parameters ofa motor vehicle may be set by the user. In some embodiments, set-up datafor the motor vehicle may be transferred directly to the motor vehiclefrom the interactive site. In other embodiments, set-up data for themotor vehicle are transferred from the user's computer to a transferdevice where it is temporarily stored. The transfer device, which maycomprise a key for operating the motor vehicle, is then used to programthe features of the motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of theinvention wherein a motor vehicle receives data from a local computervia a transfer device.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of theinvention wherein a motor vehicle receives data directly from aninteractive site server.

[0013]FIG. 3 illustrates a graphical user interface for settingprogrammable features of a vehicle entertainment system.

[0014]FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface for settingprogrammable features of a vehicle climate control system.

[0015]FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical user interface for customizing avehicle control/display panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will beapparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods anddevices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the presentinvention with unnecessary detail.

[0017] A first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. Amotor vehicle 10 receives set-up data from a local computer 12 via atransfer device 16. In a typical application, local computer 12 is ageneral purpose personal computer of the type now widely found in homesand offices. Details of computer 12 are not particularly relevant to theinvention and are not shown. Typically, computer 12 will comprise, at aminimum, a processing unit, a keyboard and a display. Additional inputdevices, such as a mouse or other pointing device, and output devices,such as a printer, may also be included as part of computer 12.

[0018] Local computer 12 is coupled to a remote interactive site server14 by a telecommunications link. In a typical embodiment of theinvention, interactive site server 14 would be accessible via the WorldWide Web. Other appropriate means for connecting computer 12 to server14 could also be employed. Server 14 contains programming forinteractively setting the programmable features of motor vehicle 10.Preferably, server 14 presents to the owner of motor vehicle 10, viacomputer 12, a graphical user interface that is tailored to motorvehicle 10 and the programmable features thereof.

[0019] Transfer device 16 receives the programming data from localcomputer 12 by a wired or wireless connection to computer 12. A wiredconnection may comprise a serial bus configured in accordance with anyof the appropriate industry standards, such as, for example, universalserial bus (USB), “FireWire”, etc. Wireless connections may compriseoptical, audio, magnetic, inductive, infrared or radio frequencycoupling. One wireless communication protocol suitable for use with thepresent invention is the “Bluetooth” protocol, which is now becomingwidely installed in home computer systems. Another wirelesscommunication protocol that may be employed with the present inventionfor transferring data from local computer 12 to transfer device 16 isthe video data transfer protocol described in co-pending applicationSer. No. 10/155,531 and its predecessor applications. Transfer device 16also communicates with motor vehicle 10 by means of a wired or wirelessconnection with a suitable protocol, such as any of those mentionedabove.

[0020] Communications between local computer 12 and transfer device 16and between the transfer device and motor vehicle 10 may be eitherone-way (namely, from the home computer to the transfer device and thento the vehicle) or two-way. However, significant advantages are realizedwhen utilizing two-way communication. Two-way communication allows“synchronization” of the motor vehicle with a “virtual” motor vehiclemaintained at the site server 14. Many of the features and settings ofthe motor vehicle can be controlled directly by the driver while in themotor vehicle. By periodically returning transfer device 16 to computer12 and reestablishing a connection with server 14, the virtual motorvehicle can be updated with any changes in the settings of the realmotor vehicle.

[0021] Another advantage of two-way communications is that it may beused to facilitate remote troubleshooting of the motor vehicle. Datafrom the motor vehicle may be transferred to computer 12, and from thereto the motor vehicle manufacturer, dealer or other support facility viaan Internet or email connection. Analysis of the data can then be usedto issue appropriate repair orders. In some cases, repairs may beeffectuated by downloading corrective software or firmware in the samemanner that feature set-up is accomplished.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 1, transfer device 16 may be configured asa device with a USB or other serial bus connection 17 and an internalflash memory or other suitable non-volatile memory device. Such atransfer device is easily portable and may be conveniently carried on akey chain. Transfer device 16 may be simply plugged into a cooperatingserial port on local computer 12. In this regard, most home computersare now equipped with easily accessible USB ports. Motor vehicle 10 mayalso have a cooperating serial port on the dash or console. Operation ofmotor vehicle 10 may be enabled with a conventional key. Alternatively,however, transfer device 16 may itself function as a key to enableoperation of the motor vehicle. In either case, it is preferred thateach driver of the motor vehicle have his or her own transfer device sothat the vehicle will be automatically configured to that driver'spreferences whenever the driver inserts the transfer device into thereceiving port.

[0023] Transfer device 16 may be configured in numerous other ways. Forexample, a recordable compact disk (CD) or digital video disk (DVD)could be employed as a transfer device. In this case, set-up data wouldbe written onto the CD or DVD at local computer 12 and the disk wouldthen be loaded into a suitable drive in the motor vehicle. Such anapproach is more suitable for one-way communication than two-waycommunication.

[0024] It is also possible to configure a system in which motor vehicle10 receives set-up data directly from local computer 12 without atransfer device. This can be accomplished by establishing a telephonicconnection with the motor vehicle. In this regard, motor vehicles areincreasingly being equipped with built-in telecommunicationscapabilities for implementing a variety of so called “telematic”functions. The communication path might also involve a combination ofwired and wireless protocols. For example, local computer 12 may have awireless link to an in-home transceiver, which is connected to a remotetransceiver in the motor vehicle's garage or other parking area by awired connection. The wired connection may comprise a data communicationbus or a communication signal may be carried as a modulation on thehousehold wiring. The garage transceiver then communicates with themotor vehicle using a wireless protocol.

[0025]FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. Inthis case, set-up data for motor vehicle 10 is received directly fromserver 14 rather than through local computer 12. From the motor vehicleowner's perspective, the preference setting interface is otherwiseidentical to the previously described embodiments. Site server 14 mayestablish a direct telephonic or other suitable communication connectionwith motor vehicle 10.

[0026] The graphical user interface with which a user sets the functionsand preferences of the motor vehicle may be highly sophisticated. Theoptions that may be provided are virtually limitless. The followinglists some of the functions that could be implemented using the presentinvention. Many of these allow a driver to personalize his or her carmuch as cell phones are personalized with distinctive cases, ring tones,greeting messages, etc.

Interior

[0027] Entertainment

[0028] Radio

[0029] Driver enters ZIP code and finds all local radio stations. Drivermay select by station frequency, ID, genre (jazz, pop, talk, etc.), orsignal strength, and assign to presets on dash or on touch display.

[0030] Optionally, set up to scan among chosen stations until the onedesired is tuned. Say “OK” and the radio will stay on the currentlytuned station. Choose the scan delay time (3 sec, 5 sec, etc.)

[0031] Select option to seek out the same genre of station driver waslistening to in a new area whenever signal strength falls below a presetlevel.

[0032] Specify favorite stations and/or programs and the audio systemwill switch at the designated day/time, e.g., on weekdays: NPR in themorning until 9:00, classical radio station until 2:00, sports stationuntil 5:00, news, weather, and traffic until 6:30. Choose differentschedule line-up for weekends.

[0033] If not in the car when favorite radio program starts, have thesystem record it (time-shift radio). Play back with the ability topause, rewind, FF, skip, preserve segments, etc.

[0034] CD Changer

[0035] Driver places CDs for use in car into CD drive of home computer.Application program reads the CDs and creates a play list that istransferred to car.

[0036] Specify favorite songs to play in a desired order or at random.

[0037] Play sources at random alternating or predetermined way withpreferred radio stations and/or programs and/or MP3 tunes.

[0038] MP3 Tunes

[0039] Use transfer device to move MP3 files to the car.

[0040] Create play list as above.

[0041] All audio sources can be programmed to play in an almost infiniteway based on time, day of the week or programmed “function button.”

[0042] Sound & Source Management

[0043] Mix and match radio, CDs, MP3s by time of day, randomly, etc.

[0044] Set audio level for radio, CD and/or MP3 player to be used whencar is started.

[0045] Set a “default” source.

[0046] Select whether play continues with the same source at the samevolume when car is started in the morning, or switches to a differentpredetermined source at a different volume (e.g., system automaticallydefaults to AM traffic source if it's between 7:00 and 8:00 AM).

[0047] Optimize sound for driver or for cabin.

[0048] Set equalization manually or for a specific genre of music—i.e.,whenever radio is on jazz station, system defaults to driver's “jazz”EQ.

[0049] RESET to factory defaults.

[0050] Reminders

[0051] Driver may type in any manner of reminders or notes to be readback by voice synthesis at the push of a button at any set time orinterval.

[0052] Reminders can be played back in the car or from the homecomputer.

[0053] Climate Control

[0054] Filter

[0055] Automatic or manual.

[0056] Recirculate air, or don't, or mix in a selectable ratio.

[0057] Fan

[0058] Set preferred default setting for fan speed using slider from MINto MAX. On MIN setting fan blows gently even if a largecabin-temperature change is required. On MAX setting fan blows at fullspeed until desired cabin temp is achieved. Slider allows for any speedin between.

[0059] Comfort Index

[0060] Select relative weights of IR sensor, outside and inside temps tooptimize comfort for the driver (it can be cool outside but the IRdetector sees lots of IR, so it thinks it's summer and the airconditioner comes on). Include humidity in the relative comfort index asbelow.

[0061] Timed Temperature Preset

[0062] High and low temperature thresholds can be set and the car canautomatically bring cabin temperature to within a selected comfort levelat a designated time of day. For example, the system may be programmedto start 5 minutes before a regularly scheduled departure time. As asafety precaution, the system may automatically shut down after runningten minutes without user intervention.

[0063] Seat Warmer

[0064] Program the seat warmer to activate at a designated time of dayor as soon as car is unlocked.

[0065] Program a button on the dash to turn on the seat warmer for fiveminutes every 30 minutes after the car is shut off.

[0066] Circuit monitors battery current and shuts down seat warmers whenappropriate.

[0067] Temperature

[0068] Individual user preferences are easily set up and transferredusing multiple transfer devices (keys/fobs).

[0069] Select “Alfresco” mode and system automatically boosts A/C orheating output as needed when convertible top is lowered.

[0070] Different settings for the front passenger seat can be selecteddepending on whether or not the seat is occupied.

[0071] Humidity

[0072] Select desired relative humidity with slider control or RESET tofactory defaults.

[0073] Navigation

[0074] Address Entry

[0075] Enter addresses using computer keyboard or by dragging anddropping from Web site or address book.

[0076] While driving, a designated cockpit button can be pressed tostore the current location, which can then be uploaded to the homecomputer and Web site.

[0077] Address Library

[0078] Enter or select a new or saved address on the home computer;elect to have this loaded as the destination address when car starts.

[0079] Trip Planning

[0080] Book hotel rooms (through third-party Web site) by clicking on amap for the final destination and on intermediate stops if appropriate.

[0081] Select points of interest within a selected range along theroute.

[0082] Purchase tickets or passes or make reservations for events ormovies or restaurants.

[0083] Receive notification when its getting close to time to refill thetank at an upcoming preferred gas station(s).

[0084] Route Planning

[0085] Select addresses from address library and obtain most efficientroute plan given the time of day, distances and known trafficconditions.

[0086] Mobile Phone

[0087] Phone Book

[0088] Selected numbers (and addresses) from computer phone book areavailable to the phone (and Navigation) system.

[0089] Voice Dialing

[0090] Activate voice dialing on selected phone numbers from phone book.

[0091] Phone Voice Commands

[0092] Select key words that will activate voice-dialing functions(call, end, mute, switch).

[0093] Personalization

[0094] Horn Effects

[0095] Select synthesized horn sounds from a list.

[0096] Select horn response mode, e.g., pushing the horn switch andholding it in sounds the warning horn sound as normal; one quick tapsounds a different horn sound (“friendly” light-is-green horn); twoquick taps sounds a brief personalized “tune”, e.g., driver's signature“I'm home” tune.

[0097] Interior Lighting Effects

[0098] Select the color and intensity of dial/dash backlighting.

[0099] Selected preferred cabin “atmosphere” when door is opened (dimcabin lighting, full-on bright, others).

[0100] Link lights to doors, e.g., opening only driver's door turns ononly left-front map light; when rear doors are opened rear lights alsoactivate.

[0101] Sound Effects

[0102] Select the sound the turn indicator makes.

[0103] Select a sound if the gas cap is not on or seated.

[0104] Select a sound when motorized seats are being adjusted.

[0105] Personalized seat-belt warning.

[0106] Select an alert sound when driving above a preset speed.

[0107] Select keys-in-ignition reminder tone.

[0108] Visual Effects

[0109] Add a photo or image to the LCD.

[0110] Screensaver for LCD when vehicle is in Park.

[0111] Voice Commands

[0112] Select any number of short voice commands to accomplish listedspecific in-cabin tasks: “Open sunroof.”, Open my window.”, “Highbeams.”, etc.

[0113] In-Vehicle Interface

[0114] Systems & Controls

[0115] Customize the function of “function buttons” to control selectedfunctions of any system in the car.

[0116] In cars with touch screen LCDs, select from among the componentsof the systems to be displayed and/or controlled from the LCD.

[0117] Buttons

[0118] Program any button in the cabin to do just about anything.

Vehicle

[0119] Safety

[0120] Window & Sunroof Control

[0121] Set each window so the occupant of the adjoining seat can onlylower the window to a selected level.

[0122] Lock window controls at selected seats.

[0123] Set a button in the cockpit to lower a preset amount/close all orselected windows and open/close the sunroof.

[0124] Set the sunroof to partially open when the inside temperatureexceeds a predetermined temperature. Also have the fan come on at thedesired speed for selectable intervals.

[0125] Seatbelts

[0126] Disable engine start if all or selected seats with passengersdon't have seat belts fastened.

[0127] Speed Governor

[0128] Sound a selected warning sound when the car exceeds a specifiedspeed.

[0129] Make the warning louder the higher above the preset speed the cargoes

[0130] Limit the maximum speed of the car.

[0131] Limit the maximum rate of acceleration.

[0132] Vehicle Tracking

[0133] Using GPS or mobile phone, create a log of where the car hasbeen, when and for how long. Also track how hard the car was driven.

[0134] Set up real-time tracking of the vehicle

[0135] Accident

[0136] Set some or all of interior lights to flash and the horn tosound.

[0137] Enable transmission of GPS coordinates.

[0138] Security

[0139] Door Locks

[0140] Determine if and at what speed all or selected doors lock.

[0141] Set certain doors to unlock only after one or both of the frontdoors have been opened for a selected period of time.

[0142] Enable “lock doors” voice command.

[0143] Window Control

[0144] (see Safety above)

[0145] Enable voice command for “windows up.”

[0146] Panic Alert

[0147] Function button or voice command that locks all doors, rolls upwindows, flashes lights, sounds an emergency “siren”.

[0148] Enable “panic button” to call one or more predetermined phonenumbers and deliver and repeat a voice synthesized message when the callis answered.

[0149] Add vehicle location to the message.

[0150] Door Access

[0151] Disable opening one or more doors from the outside unless one ormore specific doors are opened from the inside.

[0152] Lighting

[0153] Select how long and which of the external and internal lights goon after unlock, all doors closed, engine start, vehicle speed.

[0154] Alarms

[0155] Program security codes.

[0156] Select functions for key-fob panic button (e.g., flash lights,activate “I need help!” synthesized-voice horn).

[0157] Performance

[0158] Suspension Control

[0159] Adjust the ride of computerized suspension from sport to luxuryor anywhere in between.

[0160] Engine Control

[0161] Select within a range between economy and performance

[0162] Transmission Control

[0163] Within factory-set ranges, determine shift aggressiveness (e.g.,allow max-rpm shifts or always shift as early as possible for besteconomy).

[0164] Steering

[0165] Adjust the feel of steering from stiffer to lighter using aninfinitely variable slider.

[0166] Winter

[0167] Click box to optimize car for poor-weather (e.g., transmissionstarts in second gear, max traction control intervention, ABS fires atminimum lock detection, etc.).

[0168] Tuning

[0169] Sport Mode

[0170] Set up one-button high-performance profile (e.g., low-economy,max power, max transmission aggressiveness, stiffest shocks).

[0171] Turbo Boost

[0172] Within factory range, adjust turbo pressure to favor economy,sport mode or point in between.

[0173] Handling

[0174] Select spring/shock rates, select steering ratio, select tractioncontrol response, etc.

[0175] Emergency Information

[0176] Contacts

[0177] In case of emergency or accident, list numbers to contact tospeak to hands-free or with a pre-entered voice synthesized call.

[0178] In event of airbag deployment, selected contact name and numberto flash on LCD to assist rescue personnel in case of driverincapacitation.

[0179] Other Notifications

[0180] Transmit vital information to insurance company.

[0181] Emergency Aid

[0182] One button summons list and numbers for nearest hospitals,police, fire, pharmacy, etc. based on GPS location—plus preset list ofneeded phone numbers (friends, family doctor, school, etc).

Information & Service

[0183] Trip Logs

[0184] Daily Mileage Logs

[0185] Record and display distances traveled.

[0186] Record routes traveled.

[0187] Record and display fuel consumed.

[0188] Calculate a “cost per mile” of operation, including tire wear,gas mileage, lease and insurance cost, etc.

[0189] Selectively clear various logs.

[0190] Set additional or alternative criteria for “measuring” variousparameters of daily use.

[0191] Trip Mileage Logs

[0192] On trips of a preset duration in hours, days, miles or uponpushing a “start trip” function button, record distances between stops,total trip mileage, average speed gas mileage for the entire trip ortrip segments, etc.

[0193] Cumulative Data

[0194] Record all possible or selected data from a master reset done atthe dealer upon delivery of the car.

[0195] Guest Logs

[0196] Record trip information (route points, speeds, time) fromselected start to stop points.

Service & Diagnostics

[0197] Last Service

[0198] At what mileage.

[0199] On what day and time.

[0200] At what dealer.

[0201] At what cost.

[0202] What was done.

[0203] Next Service

[0204] Anticipated date based on how the car is being driven, etc.

[0205] What will be serviced at the next service.

[0206] What bugs in the car need to be fixed.

[0207] What will it cost.

[0208] How much time should it take.

[0209] Request email within predetermined period before the serviceshould be done as a reminder.

[0210] Request phone contact from nearest or selected dealer to set anappointment.

[0211] Request dealer assistance in getting the car to service and back.

[0212] Diagnostics

[0213] Send diagnostic codes to manufacturer and dealer.

[0214] Receive software and firmware-based fixes.

[0215] Firmware & Software Updates

[0216] Receive periodic updates to operating systems, that enable newfunctionality.

Interactive User's Manual

[0217] Virtual Test Drive

[0218] Animate various controls on the home computer screen.

[0219] Learn & Setup

[0220] Interactively learn the various options and settings available inthe car.

[0221] Automatic Tutor

[0222] Based on data collected from vehicle, user is prompted to learnabout controls/systems that have not yet been set (e.g., “You have notyet set up your Address Book. Would you like assistance?”).

[0223] Weather and Driving Conditions

[0224] Forecast

[0225] Obtain weather forecast for travel area.

[0226] Road Conditions

[0227] Obtain reports of road conditions, accidents, clogged traffic,roadwork being conducted, etc.

[0228] Safety Kit

[0229] Obtain list of suggested bring-along items based on weatherforecast and planned travel route (snow chains, ice scraper, sunscreen,full tank-few filling stations on the way, etc).

[0230] Contact Vehicle Manufacturer

[0231] FAQ

[0232] Access a searchable database of FAQs

[0233] Help

[0234] Access a searchable “help” database.

[0235] Email the service center with specific questions and issues.

[0236] Vehicle-specific Information

[0237] Send vehicle data to manufacturer. Receive feedback and/orcontact information after data has been received and analyzed.

[0238] Nearest Dealerships

[0239] Access list with maps of closest dealers, etc.

[0240] Customer Relations

[0241] Subscribe to newsletter.

[0242] Subscribe to other periodic news about vehicle and/or relatedinterests.

[0243] Request notification about new model introductions.

[0244] Elect to receive periodic questionnaires relating tosatisfaction, etc.

[0245] Request results of surveys about quality, customer satisfaction,etc.

[0246] Request notification about special offers and events.

[0247] Shop

[0248] Driving Accessories

[0249] Order custom car mats, spill-proof coffee mugs, first-aid kits,CD carriers, seat covers, car covers, etc.

[0250] Logo Wear

[0251] Order jackets, shirts, luggage, gloves, sunglasses, hats, golfbags, etc.

[0252] Performance Accessories

[0253] Order optional wheels, gold-trim kits, trailer hitches, aero bodykits, roof racks, bicycle carriers, audio/visual equipment, etc.

[0254] Events

[0255] Order tickets to manufacturer-sponsored races, motor shows,sporting events, social gatherings, etc.

[0256]FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a graphical user interface thatmay be employed with the present invention to set programmable featuresof a motor vehicle's entertainment system. The interface utilizespull-down menus, data entry windows, buttons, sliders, etc., which arereadily implemented by persons proficient in website design. Theprogrammable features shown in FIG. 3 are merely illustrative of thosethat can be implemented. The particular features that are made availableon the graphical user interface would be specified by the motor vehiclemanufacturer and would be constrained by the hardware and softwarespecifications of the particular vehicle.

[0257]FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a graphical user interface thatmay be employed with the present invention to set programmable featuresof a motor vehicle's climate control system.

[0258] Use of the present invention facilitates customized drivercontrols and displays. For example, touch screen LCD or similar displaypanels are now used in many automobiles. Using a graphical userinterface, a driver can design a customized set of controls foroperating features of interest to that driver. One driver may wish tohave certain radio selections readily available, whereas another drivermay wish to have available a selection of destinations for thenavigation system. These preferences are communicated via the transferdevice as described above. Controls that are customized in this mannerare not limited to touch screen selections. By the same process, driverdefined functions may be assigned to buttons, dials and other mechanicalcontrols as well to create individualized “function keys.” Likewise,displays available to the driver may also be customized.

[0259]FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a graphical user interface forcreating a customized control/display panel. The top portion of theinterface provides a menu of controls and displays that may be draggedand dropped onto a graphic representation of the vehicle'scontrol/display panel in the bottom portion of the interface. In thismanner, a user may construct a hierarchy of control/display panels forvarious systems of the vehicle and/or driving situations. A “home” panelmay be configured with controls and displays that are most used by thedriver. Subsidiary panels, accessible from the “home” panel, may becreated in whatever configurations the driver desires. Selectionsavailable to the driver when creating customized panels may includebackground colors and/or patterns. The panel may be programmed with“wallpaper” and “screensavers”, much as computer displays are customizedby their users.

[0260] It will be recognized that the above-described invention may beembodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit oressential characteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood thatthe invention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrativedetails, but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for setting a programmable feature of amotor vehicle comprising: providing an interactive site on a globalcomputer network; establishing a connection with the interactive site;interactively setting a programmable feature of the motor vehicle at theinteractive site; providing a transfer device having an input port andan output port; transferring set-up data from the interactive site tothe input port of the transfer device; transferring the set-up data fromthe output port of the transfer device to the motor vehicle.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the input port of the transfer devicecomprises a serial bus connector.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein theoutput port of the transfer device comprises the same serial busconnector.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the output port of thetransfer device comprises a serial bus connector.
 5. The method of claim1 wherein the input port of the transfer device comprises an opticalsensor.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein transferring set-up data fromthe interactive site to the input port of the transfer device comprisesmodulating a portion of a display screen and sensing such modulation inthe transfer device.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the transferdevice comprises a key for operating the motor vehicle.
 8. The method ofclaim 1 wherein the programmable feature comprises a navigationalfunction.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the programmable featurecomprises a communication function.
 10. The method of claim 1 whereinthe programmable feature comprises an entertainment function.
 11. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the programmable feature comprises a climatecontrol function.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the programmablefeature comprises a control having a user-assigned function.
 13. Themethod of claim 12 wherein the interactive site includes a plurality ofcontrol icons and further comprising dragging a selected icon onto arepresentation of a motor vehicle control panel.
 14. The method of claim13 further comprising, after transferring the set-up data from theoutput port of the transfer device to the motor vehicle, providing acontrol corresponding to the selected icon on the motor vehicle controlpanel.
 15. The method of claim 1 wherein the programmable featurecomprises a display having a user-assigned function.
 16. The method ofclaim 12 wherein the interactive site includes a plurality of displayicons and further comprising dragging a selected icon onto arepresentation of a motor vehicle display panel.
 17. The method of claim13 further comprising, after transferring the set-up data from theoutput port of the transfer device to the motor vehicle, providing adisplay corresponding to the selected icon on the motor vehicle displaypanel.
 18. The method of claim 1 further comprising: setting aprogrammable feature of the motor vehicle by user input to a controlwithin the motor vehicle; transferring the user-input setting of theprogrammable feature from the motor vehicle to the transfer device;transferring the user-input setting of the programmable feature from thetransfer device to the interactive site.
 19. A method for setting aprogrammable feature of a motor vehicle comprising: providing aninteractive computer program with a graphical user interface depictingthe programmable features of the motor vehicle; setting the programmablefeature of the motor vehicle using the interactive computer program witha user's computer; providing a transfer device having an input port andan output port; transferring set-up data from the user's computer to theinput port of the transfer device; transferring the set-up data from theoutput port of the transfer device to the motor vehicle.
 20. The methodof claim 19 wherein the input port of the transfer device comprises aserial bus connector.
 21. The method of claim 20 wherein the output portof the transfer device comprises the same serial bus connector.
 22. Themethod of claim 19 wherein the output port of the transfer devicecomprises a serial bus connector.
 23. The method of claim 19 wherein theinput port of the transfer device comprises an optical sensor.
 24. Themethod of claim 23 wherein transferring set-up data from the interactivesite to the input port of the transfer device comprises modulating aportion of a display screen and sensing such modulation in the transferdevice.
 25. The method of claim 19 wherein the transfer device comprisesa key for operating the motor vehicle.
 26. The method of claim 19wherein the programmable feature comprises a navigational function. 27.The method of claim 19 wherein the programmable feature comprises acommunication function.
 28. The method of claim 19 wherein theprogrammable feature comprises an entertainment function.
 29. The methodof claim 19 wherein the programmable feature comprises a climate controlfunction.
 30. The method of claim 19 wherein the programmable featurecomprises a control having a user-assigned function.
 31. The method ofclaim 30 wherein the interactive site includes a plurality of controlicons and further comprising dragging a selected icon onto arepresentation of a motor vehicle control panel.
 32. The method of claim31 further comprising, after transferring the set-up data from theoutput port of the transfer device to the motor vehicle, providing acontrol corresponding to the selected icon on the motor vehicle controlpanel.
 33. The method of claim 19 wherein the programmable featurecomprises a display having a user-assigned function.
 34. The method ofclaim 30 wherein the interactive site includes a plurality of displayicons and further comprising dragging a selected icon onto arepresentation of a motor vehicle display panel.
 35. The method of claim31 further comprising, after transferring the set-up data from theoutput port of the transfer device to the motor vehicle, providing adisplay corresponding to the selected icon on the motor vehicle displaypanel.
 36. The method of claim 19 wherein the interactive computerprogram is hosted on a global computer network.
 37. The method of claim19 further comprising: setting a programmable feature of the motorvehicle by user input to a control within the motor vehicle;transferring the user-input setting of the programmable feature from themotor vehicle to the transfer device; transferring the user-inputsetting of the programmable feature from the transfer device to theuser's computer.
 38. A method for setting a programmable feature of amotor vehicle comprising: providing an interactive site on a globalcomputer network; establishing a connection with the interactive site;interactively setting a programmable feature of the motor vehicle at theinteractive site; transferring set-up data from the interactive site tothe motor vehicle.
 39. The method of claim 38 wherein the programmablefeature comprises a navigational function.
 40. The method of claim 38wherein the programmable feature comprises a communication function. 41.The method of claim 38 wherein the programmable feature comprises anentertainment function.
 42. The method of claim 38 wherein theprogrammable feature comprises a climate control function.
 43. Themethod of claim 38 wherein the programmable feature comprises a controlhaving a user-assigned function.
 44. The method of claim 43 wherein theinteractive site includes a plurality of control icons and furthercomprising dragging a selected icon onto a representation of a motorvehicle control panel.
 45. The method of claim 44 further comprising,after transferring the set-up data from the interactive site to themotor vehicle, providing a control corresponding to the selected icon onthe motor vehicle control panel.
 46. The method of claim 38 wherein theprogrammable feature comprises a display having a user-assignedfunction.
 47. The method of claim 43 wherein the interactive siteincludes a plurality of display icons and further comprising dragging aselected icon onto a representation of a motor vehicle display panel.48. The method of claim 47 further comprising, after transferring theset-up data from the interactive site to the motor vehicle, providing adisplay corresponding to the selected icon on the motor vehicle displaypanel.
 49. The method of claim 38 further comprising: setting aprogrammable feature of the motor vehicle by user input to a controlwithin the motor vehicle; transferring the user-input setting of theprogrammable feature from the motor vehicle to the interactive site. 50.A system for setting a programmable feature of a motor vehiclecomprising: a motor vehicle having a programmable feature; a transferdevice provided in combination with the motor vehicle, the transferdevice having at least one communication port; an interactive computerprogram with a graphical user interface depicting the programmablefeature of the motor vehicle; wherein a user of the motor vehicle setsthe programmable feature using the interactive program on a user'scomputer, transfers set-up data for the programmable feature from theuser's computer to a transfer device and then transfers the set-up datafrom the transfer device to the motor vehicle.
 51. The system of claim50 wherein the transfer device comprises a key for operating the motorvehicle.
 52. The system of claim 50 wherein the programmable featurecomprises a navigational function.
 53. The system of claim 50 whereinthe programmable feature comprises a communication function.
 54. Thesystem of claim 50 wherein the programmable feature comprises anentertainment function.
 55. The system of claim 50 wherein theprogrammable feature comprises a climate control function.
 56. Thesystem of claim 50 wherein the programmable feature comprises a controlhaving a user-assigned function.
 57. The system of claim 56 wherein thegraphical user interface includes a plurality of control icons andwherein the user drags a selected icon onto a representation of a motorvehicle control panel.
 58. The system of claim 57 further comprisingmeans within the motor vehicle for providing a control corresponding tothe user-selected icon on the motor vehicle control panel.
 59. Thesystem of claim 50 wherein the programmable feature comprises a displayhaving a user-assigned function.
 60. The system of claim 56 wherein thegraphical user interface includes a plurality of display icons andwherein the user drags a selected icon onto a representation of a motorvehicle display panel.
 61. The system of claim 60 further comprisingmeans within the motor vehicle for providing a display corresponding tothe user-selected icon on the motor vehicle display panel.